- Uganda Martyrs 4-2 Arengisep Secondary School
- Buddo SS 3-0 Busia SS
It was a commanding performance from Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga as they brushed aside Arengisep Secondary School with a convincing 4-2 win to secure a spot in the USSSA Round of 32.
But beyond the goals and the statistics, it was the voice of their talismanic striker Andrew Lukyamuzi that rang loudest after the final whistle.
“I play number 9 and our target was to qualify; we did it. We thank God,” Lukyamuzi said, beaming with pride and humility after his side topped Group N, edging out Kabalega Seed on goal difference.
Lukyamuzi was at the heart of Uganda Martyrs’ comeback, netting twice and guiding his side out of a nervy start after Arengisep had opened the scoring.
His equalizer calmed the nerves, and shortly after, Meddie Kavuma fired Martyrs ahead before Lukyamuzi struck again to complete his brace, handing the Lubaga-based side a 3-1 halftime lead.
Ezra Emenyu added the fourth in the second half before Arengisep scored a consolation to settle the score at 4-2.
It’s not Lukyamuzi’s first dance on the national stage and it shows.
“I am pleased. The experience, I had it several times. This is not my first time to come to the Nationals,” he said.
“I have played Nationals four times for the schools and with the experience, now I am better and I know what to do.”
His maturity, sharpness and leadership have been central to Uganda Martyrs’ success so far. For Head Coach Edward Kasozi Ssozi, the belief is growing stronger.
“So far, so good. We are out of the group stages and we’ve made it to the Round of 32. We praise God who has enabled us to reach this stage,” Kasozi remarked.
“Last year we finished at this level, now we are back and aiming higher.”
“Our target is to finish in the top four and I think now we are seeing where we are going.”
Uganda Martyrs were not the only ones to impress. Buddo SS also made a statement with a dominant 3-0 victory over Busia Secondary School.
Coach Richard Malinga appeared cautiously optimistic.
“We are off to the Round of 32. We are prepared but have to plan accordingly, with penalties too in mind because it’s part of the game,” he said.
“Our target is to get to the East Africa (FEASSSA games), having missed out in the previous edition.”
Wabiyi Edrisah, Buddo’s assistant captain and goalkeeper, added that the team is building momentum.
“So far, the games we have played, the first game we won 14-1. It was good. And this game, we have shown something like we are heading somewhere.”
Other schools also left their mark on the day: Kabalega S.S thumped Devine College Buyaga 4-0, Kibuli S.S edged Quality High 1-0 and Bishop Comboni College Kambuga recorded the most emphatic win with an 8-0 thrashing of Chemwania High.
All teams that qualified for the Round of 32 include;
St Julian, Lakeside SS, Kyadondo SS, Ngora High, Standard High, Kicwamba High, Bishop Angero, Jinja Progressive, Mentor SS, Kisozi Seed, Kawempe Muslim, St Kaggwa H/S Bushenyi, Jinja Comprehensive, Mvara SS, Bukedea Comprehensive School, Wagwa H/S, St Mary’s School – Kitende, Bugishu H/S, Buddo SS, Bishop Comboni, Mumsa H/S, Wisdom H/S, Lagwai Seed, Blessed Sacrament Kimanya, Masaka SS, Standard High – Ndejje, Uganda Martyrs – Lubaga, Kabalega Seed, Kibuli SS, GreenLight H/S – Nasana, Amus College and Buziga Islamic
